Seasonal and year-round allergies can throw a wrench in your daily life and make you feel miserable. The sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and other symptoms can get in the way of work and school productivity, prevent you from getting restful sleep, and keep you from living your best life.
And while antihistamines might take the edge off of allergy flare-ups, they don’t get to the root of the problem. That’s where immunotherapy comes in. At Centerville Medical Center in Garland, Texas, Chuck Osuagwu, MD, provides integrative internal medicine with a focus on addressing root causes of problems, not just treating the symptoms.
Our team provides exceptional primary care through a full range of services, including diagnosing and managing allergies. Here’s how immunotherapy can eliminate those pesky allergy symptoms.
Allergies occur when your immune system treats normally harmless substances — like dust, pollen, or pet dander — as threats. In response, it stimulates the release of histamines, chemicals that trigger inflammation and common symptoms like congestion, itching, or hives.
Most people manage these symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, or decongestants. While these medicines may reduce discomfort, they don’t change how your immune system reacts to allergens. The moment you’re exposed again, the symptoms return.
Unlike symptom management strategies, immunotherapy focuses on modifying how your immune system responds to allergens. Over time, your body becomes less reactive; in many cases, it stops reacting altogether.
This treatment can help with:
Immunotherapy works best when it's customized to your specific allergy profile and administered under medical guidance.
There are two primary approaches to immunotherapy: injections or under-the-tongue drops. Here’s how each option works.
Also called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), allergy shots involve injecting small amounts of allergen extracts under your skin. The process typically starts with a buildup phase of one to three shots per week over several months.
As your tolerance improves, you transition to a maintenance phase with monthly injections for up to five years. The goal is long-term immune system adjustment designed to desensitize your immune system to the allergen so your body no longer reacts so severely — or at all.
You take SLIT at home in the form of dissolvable tablets or drops placed under your tongue. These contain allergens tailored to your sensitivities and work similarly to allergy shots, but without the need for frequent office visits.
Your immune system is exposed to allergens in a controlled, low-dose way, promoting tolerance. This is a popular option for patients with busy schedules or needle aversions.
If you’ve struggled with persistent allergies despite medication or avoidance, immunotherapy may be worth considering. It’s especially useful for people who:
Children and adults can benefit from immunotherapy, although it’s important to discuss your health history and allergy severity with your provider.
Allergy symptoms don’t have to control your life. If you're ready to explore a longer-term solution, Dr. Osuagwu and our team at Centerville Medical Center can help you decide whether immunotherapy is right for you.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start moving toward lasting relief. You can call the office Monday through Friday or book online anytime.
